It’s not unreasonable to think that many 4×4 enthusiasts enjoy a proper white-knuckle ride every now and again. Crossing deserts, salt flats and rock formations, the most difficult 4X4 trails in the world are crucibles that put skills and vehicles to merciless testing.
The list below is not exhaustive. There are many more routes that are worthy of anyone who wants to see what their vehicle can really do. These, however, have a reputation that exceeds all others.
Namib Naukluft Park Trail
The 73km route that is the Namib Naukluft Park Trail is widely regarded as one of the most arduous unguided 4X4 trails anywhere on earth. The two-day journey overnights at the Tjeriktit campsite. Part of the trail takes drivers and their passengers along narrow tracks that cross unbelievably steep mountainous terrain. Those tracks are based on those built by early pioneering farmers; a fact that makes them even more impressive.
Casablanca to Cape Town
It requires a great deal of time and money, but for those who have both to spare, the route from Casablanca to Cape Town is the ultimate bucket list adventure. You can drive the 12,000km route through 18 countries. It starts in Morocco and ends in South Africa. The most difficult part of the trip is crossing the Sahara Desert, one of the most inhospitable regions on earth. The beauty and comforts of Cape Town are the perfect end to what could be a life-changing 4X4 trip. Perhaps even more satisfying, however, is the feeling that comes with knowing one has journeyed almost the entire length of Africa.
The Rubicon Trail
The Rubicon Trail in California, USA, is so notoriously difficult, Jeep honoured it by using the name for a vehicle model. It is approximately 35km long, which makes it sound as though it can be completed in a day. The reality is that the Sierra Nevada mountains route based on old Native American and gold rush era tracks usually takes three days to complete. This is due to the Granite Bowl, Walker Rock, Thousand Dollar Hill, and other obstacles.
Dakar
The move to South America in 2008 was the end of an era for the Dakar Rally. However, that does not mean the original route between Paris, France, and Dakar, Senegal, is closed to 4X4 enthusiasts. Those who are happy to brave sand dunes, rocky terrain, scorching temperatures and other challenges can still make the 10,000km journey through northwest Africa.
Baja
Baja, Mexico, is the site of the Baja 1000, an endurance race famous for the speeds its drivers achieve. In fact, those speeds are largely responsible for the routes’ difficult reputation. Most drivers should find the better part of the various trails to be an easy drive. However, the obstacles that are encountered, such as steep, sandy descents onto the beach, can be terrifying.
Moab
The desert of the Moab region in Utah, USA, is as difficult – or as easy – as 4X4 enthusiasts want it to be. The landscape features amazing sandstone formations, some of which are intense challenges for drivers and their passengers.